Welcome and thank you for choosing to operate your business in the City of Escondido!
We know you have many options, and we appreciate you selecting the City of Escondido. Please consider us a resource and partner to help your business succeed.
Apply or renew your business license here.
Visit our main Business page to get an overview of how the City supports businesses. While you are there, don't forget to subscribe to the Escondido Business Insight monthly newsletter for local happenings, and business resources!
To operate your business in the City- event if operating from home- you must have a business license. This is not unique to the City of Escondido. This is a requirement for most cities.
- To honor our Veteran Sole Proprietors, we waive the business license fee.
- Home-based Daycares are exempt from business license requirements. If however, you would like to have a business license for your home-based Daycare, you will apply as a Home Occupation business and indicate you are a home-based daycare. You will be exempt from the business license fee, but pay the $4.00 state mandated ADA fee.
Attention Tobacco Retailers!
Starting July 1, 2021, all businesses that sell tobacco products will need to obtain an annual Tobacco Retail License (TRL) in addition to their existing business license. You can submit your application online. For common questions regarding TRL, please visit our FAQ page.
The process to obtain or renew your business license is a simple online process. The Business License applications and renewals are both done via our Online Portal.
The step-by-step instructions on how to apply or renew a business license via the portal, are in our Business Resource Guide.
Please check our our Popular Links below. The FAQ page is there to answer many of your questions. We highly recommend reading the Business Resource Guide as well as it will give you an overview of what are the City, County, and State requirements based on your business type.
Location, Location, Location!
They say location is everything! Look no further because Escondido has it all. If you are looking to relocate or expand your business in Escondido, we have the most reasonably priced for-sale and for-lease properties around for both your business and housing for your workforce.
SEARCH HERE for commercial and industrial properties available for lease or sale. Here is a quick reference zoning guide to assist in your search.
How can I request a customized business site search? Contact us with your location criteria at Business@escondido.org and we would be happy to do a customized site search and we can connect you to a great network of local brokers.
I found my perfect business location and now I need to do tenant improvements - where do I start? You can start with the Planning Division. If you have any questions during the planning process, you are invited to contact Business@escondido.org and we would be happy to assist as your personal City concierge during the development process.
Geographic Information System (GIS) Resource: